visiting chesterfield

Vicar Lane encourages visitors to enjoy a ‘Blind date with a book’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has teamed up with The Works and Waterstones to bring an innovative initiative to the shopping centre, aimed at getting more local people to enjoy reading.

In celebration of National Read a Book Day, customers can enjoy a Blind Date with a Book – completely free.

From Monday 6th September, Vicar Lane is encouraging people to head to St James Square where they’ll find a ‘Reading Zone’, complete with beanbags and deckchairs, and the Blind Date with a Book set up.

Locals can have a read of the brief synopsis on the wrapped books, and pick one that takes their fancy.

The Reading Zone will be in situ at the shopping centre in the heart of Chesterfield for the week.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane said ‘’We’re excited to celebrate National Read a Book Day with the launch of Blind Date with a Book.

“We all lead busy lives and it’s hard to remember to leave time for ourselves, so by setting up a Reading Zone at the shopping centre, we hope people will be encouraged to take time out of their day to sit down and read a book!’’

The latest initiative comes off the back of the popular Summer Zone at Vicar Lane, which saw residents treated to some of the best sporting action on the big screen in St James Square over July and August, along with pop-up bars and food vendors.

The centre is home to a wide range of both quirky, independent shops and cafes, sitting alongside well-known national high-street retailers. Find out more about the shopping centre here.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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People encouraged to have their say on the future of Chesterfield Market

Market traders, town centre retailers, residents and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on ambitious plans to revitalise Chesterfield Market by taking part in a public consultation which launches today (Monday 2 August).

Chesterfield Borough Council is seeking people’s views on plans to create a vibrant open-air shopping experience with new event space, seating, and landscaping – to help shape the council’s final proposals for Chesterfield Market.

The draft Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Vision Master Plan aims to ensure the market area remains a modern shopping destination, despite the challenges posed by a rise in online shopping and, more recently, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “We recognise the need to invest now to make sure Chesterfield town centre remains modern, vibrant, and relevant – and our market is a key part of that.

“As the heart and soul of our town centre, we must do all we can to make sure that Chesterfield Market continues to prosper in today’s world, as a destination of choice for traders, residents, and visitors.

“These ambitious plans lay down a new vision for Chesterfield Market and are based on what market traders, town centre retailers and residents told us they wanted to see when we asked for initial feedback on the project.

“We are now encouraging even more people to have their say on the plans in a public consultation, which runs for six weeks.”

The draft Master Plan proposals were approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 20 July and will be out for public consultation from today through 12 September 2021, with initial work set to begin on site early 2022.

Key proposals include:

  • The re-siting of market stalls currently located in New Square and on Low Pavement into a single market ground of 100 stalls in Market Square – creating a more defined and vibrant market area. The area will also include a flexible events space.
  • The re-modelling of New Square as a flexible events space – able to hold large-scale events, and accommodate temporary installations and active edges linked to local bars and restaurants
  • Upgrades to the paving to improve the quality while also making it more accessible for people dependent on wheelchairs, pushchairs, or mobility aids
  • The introduction of new seating areas and attractive landscaping to create spaces where people want to sit and chat whilst taking in what the town has to offer
  • The planting of more trees to increase biodiversity and improve the street scene
  • Brighter and more vibrant stall coverings and flexible stalls supplied with water, better lighting, and digital connectivity

The council’s plans have also been developed with due regard for the Conservation Area including giving greater prominence to the Market Hall and the town pump, which is currently obscured, by opening-up the public space in these areas.

Councillor Sarvent added: “We all treasure Chesterfield’s historic market and I know many people will have views on how they want to it to look and feel in the future, so I would encourage as many people as possible to take a look at the plans and tell us what they think. Their views will be used to shape the final proposals.”

Due to the ongoing uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, this second phase of consultation will be carried out via a virtual exhibition – available to view at https://market-consultation.chesterfield.gov.uk/

Exhibition documents will be available to view at Chesterfield Market Hall and interested parties can also obtain paper copies of the questionnaire from the council’s Customer Services Centre, just off New Square.

Respondents to the public consultation will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers.

The council has already secured £1.15m funding through the Derbyshire Business Rates Pilot and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. Further funding for later phases is being sought as part of a bid that the council has recently submitted to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Terms and conditions for the prize draw can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/terms-and-conditions

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield

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Chesterfield Canal cruises to restart

Cruising on the Chesterfield Canal is back, thanks to the latest easing of lockdown restrictions this month.

With the scrapping of social distancing rules, the Chesterfield Canal Trust will be getting its fleet of four tripboats back into action.

First in line will be Madeline running trips from Hollingwood Hub in Staveley on Saturday 24th July. This will be followed by John Varley ll at Tapton Lock in Chesterfield on Sunday 25th.

Sunday will also see Hugh Henshall cruising from the Lock Keeper pub in Worksop and Seth Ellis hosting Pirate trips in Retford.

The Trust has a host of cruises lined up running from 20 minute taster trips to 6 hour cruises, including the popular Cake & Cruise and Strawberry Cream Tea cruise.

Sarah Stephens, the Trustee in charge of tripboats, said: “We have been running a few charter cruises with very strict Covid rules since May, but now our crews are delighted to be able to get back to our regular public trips.”

Altogether there are 17 different types and lengths of trips running from 8 different venues. Prices vary from £2 to £22.

To see the full list go to the Trust’s website by searching for Chesterfield Canal Trust. It is also possible to charter any of the boats for £60 an hour for up to 12 passengers.

All the boats will still be taking precautions such as proper cleaning regimes, hand sanitising and good ventilation. The wearing of masks will be welcome.

The Trust will also be partnering with Junction Arts and Derbyshire County Council this September, for the return of the popular Tapton Lock Festival.

The two-day event will include music and performance, along with giving attendees a chance to try their hands at arts and crafts.

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Canal event

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Chesterfield’s Bee Orchid set to blossom in new town centre store

A popular independent and family-run shop in Chesterfield has announced a move into a new store, placed in a prominent position on Packers Row in the town centre.

The Bee Orchid Home and Gifts has been open in The Shambles since 2017, stocking a range of quirky gifts and homewares, greetings cards and silk flowers.

However, owner Charlotte Harris says after re-evaluating in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, she felt that now was the right time to move into a new location.

The move was also made possible after the shop was able to gain access support via the government’s bounce back loan scheme.

Charlotte commented: “We are passionate about the British countryside, nature and wildlife and this is reflected in the products we offer. We always have a friendly welcome for you when you visit our store.

“We wanted to combine our love for nature and wildlife and stock gifts and homewares which reflected this, as we felt we couldn’t find shops which offered this. We have built up a sound customer base of people who love what we do, and we want to grow this in our new shop.”

“We want to grow the business and expand the choice of quirky and country-style gifts and home accessories, and also offer more sustainably sourced products; something else we are extremely passionate about.”

The Bee Orchid is also urging people to support the town’s high street retailers, as Chesterfield looks to bounce back from the lockdown restrictions imposed over the last year.

Charlotte added: “Our message is to shop small. Chesterfield has many amazing independent businesses where you can pick up something beautiful and unique. You just have to know where to look, as there are many hidden gems.

“We also believe that there is nothing like the shopping experience you get from being in a physical store with excellent customer service. We acknowledge there are some empty shops in town at the moment, but there are many initiatives going on to improve this situation. If people continue to support independents, it will continue to become a vibrant place to visit and Chesterfield will thrive!”

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Vicar Lane launches ‘Summer Zone’ showing Wimbledon and other sporting events

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, in Chesterfield, is celebrating ‘all things summer’ at its Summer Zone in St James Square from 28th June.

The fun will start by serving up all the Wimbledon action on the big screen from 28th June to 11th July, meaning that customers can indulge in a spot of shopping and not miss out on any of the sporting action throughout the summer.

Plus, from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th July, customers can enjoy food and drink from pop-ups such as Salute (Pimm’s and prosecco) and Fairy Floss (strawberries and cream).

Customers will find an area especially laid to lawn, adorned with deck chairs and bistro sets, as well as a table tennis table and a giant ‘Up 4 It’ game.

Customers of Vicar Lane will find a wide range of stores, including H&M, Holland & Barrett, New Look, JD and Superdrug, as well as the popular indie stores, Nana B Baby Boutique, Gorilla Garms, Clarissa’s Interiors, Shop Indie and Precious Memories.

Visitors to the shopping centre can also enjoy a quick coffee (and cake!) break at Vintage Tearooms, or a relaxing lunch at Qoozies.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane says, ‘’We’re really excited about summer at Vicar Lane. No matter what you’re up to in the heart of Chesterfield, there’s no need to miss a moment of the sporting fun this summer as we’ll be screening all the televised action on our big screen.’’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

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Stanedge Golf Club shortlisted at prestigious England Golf Awards 2021

The team at Chesterfield’s Stanedge Golf Club are celebrating, after being shortlisted in the ‘Club of the Year’ category at the 2021 England Golf Awards.

The event features seven award categories in total, which  recognises clubs, counties, volunteers and players. This year’s judging panels were drawn from the ranks of England Golf staff and the board as well as featuring industry and media colleagues.

The awards ceremony will be live-streamed on YouTube at 6:30pm on Thursday, 3rd June so people can tune in to see if Stanedge can clinch the prize ahead of three other nominees.

Stanedge Golf Club owner and former PGA professional, Fame Tate, told us she was delighted that their hard work has been recognised: “I purchased Stanedge Golf Club in February 2019 and that now seems a very distant memory.

“At that time, it was important for me to create and continue to create a niche around our services and have a thorough understanding of our target market.  I have spent many hours looking at market segmentation and demographic research and the first step that I had to take was to build and create a new brand.  I had to give the club a new identity and literally raise awareness that we were actually open.

“For the first six months I can’t even hazard a guess or give you a figure how many people drove down the lane, past my office window and the clubhouse and turned around in the car park and went back out again.  They just wanted to see what was going on and if the golf club had actually reopened.”

“I was mindful from the start that everyone needed to see change quickly in order to reinstate faith and confidence back in the club and me and that is what we have done.  In the first 12 months we transformed the club in SO many ways.  I used to call the clubhouse “my little scout hut” but now it is so much more than that.  We have undergone a complete refurbishment internally and externally which has gradually taken place over the last two years and will continue.”

“As a business we are prepared to change in order to improve and form a new business strategy in order to compete indirectly with our competitors.”

Fame added that the Chesterfield business community has also played its part in bringing the club back to life: “Throughout all of the changes and renovations, I have sourced local tradesmen and businesses to meet our needs.  I think it is hugely important to support other local businesses particularly during these very tough times.”

“As a new business, we too have experienced the support of other local businesses through hole and score card sponsorship, with Il Mondo Travel being our headline score card sponsor.

Back in 2019 there was no golf shop at the club, just a very small area in the corner of the clubhouse that sold a few staple items.  As a consequence of this we joined the Foremost buying group, which enabled our members to buy products online.

“I also approached Glenmuir and Srixon as I was looking for a reliable supplier of high quality golf apparel, hardware, balls and gloves that could to tailored to meet our member’s buying preferences.  Since that time, we have added a workshop where we can carry out club repairs and a re-gripping service as a certified Golf Pride grip centre.”

Charlotte Dalton from Glenmuir commented: “It has been a pleasure to work with Fame and the team at Stanedge since 2019 and especially to see the club grow into the friendly, welcoming and quality venue that it has become today. In many ways the core values that Glenmuir holds dear as a business are the same as that of Stanedge Golf Club and this has enabled our joint relationship to flourish. From everyone here at Glenmuir, we would like to congratulate Fame and her team for the nomination of the England Golf ‘Club of the Year’ Award – this is well deserved and we look forward to working with Stanedge Golf Club for many more years to come.”

Fame also thanked the members of the club for their support of the club since it’s reopening and throughout the covid-19 pandemic: “I have always instilled from day one to my team the importance of providing excellent customer service and a customer centric experience.  I want everyone who walks through our door to feel welcomed and special.  They aren’t just a member or a golfer, they are someone who is vitally important to our business.

“We have created a deeper level of connection with all of members and guests.  All of members are greeted by their first names. All of the team take the time out to get to know our members.  We take pride in the fact that we remember all of their names, what they like, their favorite food and drink and such like, which for me are all vital “touch” points.  I also operate an open door policy for the office, so all of the members know that if they have any questions or queries I am there.”.

“The golf club is a business and it is run as a business but I want it feel like a home.  All of the changes and decisions that we have made and continue to make are for the best interests of the members, visitors and club structure, whilst retaining our core values and beliefs.

“Being nominated and shortlisted for this award, being one of only four clubs in the country fills me with a huge sense of pride.  I know that it has been challenging twelve months for us all but this national recognition makes all of the tireless hard work and the adversities that we have faced all worthwhile. I would like to congratulate and thank all of my team for all of their hard work and support.  We have achieved things together at Stanedge that none of us could have achieved alone.

“To me this is much more than a business venture……it is my life.  It is something that I am hugely passionate about and more importantly care about. In doing all of this, we have created a community and a culture; breaking barriers and changing people’s perception of what a “typical” golf club is like and we have certainly shaken the tree within the golfing industry particularly within the locality.”

Stanedge Golf Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New-look events programme promises an action-packed summer for Chesterfield town centre

Chesterfield town centre will be a hive of activity this summer with the launch of a new-look events programme – designed to increase footfall and support our returning retailers, market traders and hospitality businesses.

From circus workshops and stilt walkers to sports and heritage themed events, there will be something for everyone throughout the coming months.

The council will pay particular attention to ensuring people feel safe when visiting Chesterfield town centre through the implementation of appropriate Covid-19 safety measures.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s refreshed programme is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign – launched in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that’s great about the town, while supporting the trading ambitions of local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “After what has been an incredibly difficult year, our new-look events programme aims to create a real buzz and positive atmosphere – reflecting the great character and spirit of our town, our residents and our businesses.

“We will be funding a range of regular events which means there will be something going on throughout the summer months, providing a chance for everyone to get out and about and enjoy the fun experiences that have been missed by so many of us during the pandemic.

“Looking further forward, we’re planning events into the autumn – including the popular 1940s Market – and our Christmas in Chesterfield celebrations are also taking shape.”

‘Summer of Fun’ events will run through July, with walkabout entertainment and activities tied to key events such as Wimbledon, the Tokyo Olympics and the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.

August will see a range of events themed around a ‘Summer of Play’ – tied to the council’s Year of Outdoors project which focuses on improving people’s health and wellbeing.

Activities will run every weekend, including circus workshops, treasure hunts and town centre trails.

Shoppers got a taste of the new style entertainment at the launch of the Love Chesterfield campaign in early May – with a range of street performers entertaining the crowds as customers were welcomed back into the town centre.

The Motor Fest event, which usually takes place in August, is to be paused again for this year. Given the ongoing pandemic, it is too early to hold a single event which attracts tens of thousands of people into an open town centre space and ensure compliance with Covid-19 safety measures. However, the council is already working with local organisers to create a bigger and better Motor Fest event for 2022.

The annual Medieval Market will be replaced for 2021 by a community-focussed market event that will celebrate the work of Chesterfield’s voluntary and community sector through the pandemic, while helping them to raise much-needed funds. This will be held in August, and be based in the Market Place with stalls, fun fair rides, and family entertainment.

Councillor Gilby added: “We of course hope that the Government is able to proceed with the last step of its roadmap out of lockdown on 21 June, however, should it not prove possible the council has worked hard to build an events programme that is as adaptable as possible should some elements of the current Covid-19 restrictions need to stay in place over the coming months.

“Our enhanced programme for this year has been designed to offer choice and new experiences for new and returning audiences. We recognise the importance of everyone feeling safe in Chesterfield town centre and if they do, they are more likely to visit and support our fantastic shops, eateries and bars as we get back to a more normal way of living.

“In planning our new-look programme we have had to take some difficult decisions. We won’t be going ahead with some of the events that are usually in our annual calendar but feel confident in our enhanced offer of more regular activities.

“Our community-focused market event will also provide the opportunity for us all to say a massive thank you to our amazing voluntary and community organisations who have done so much for the borough’s residents over the past 15 months.”

More information about the Love Chesterfield events programme will be published on the council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield and also on social media channels using the #LoveChesterfield hashtag.

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Chesterfield to benefit from quicker and more frequent rail journeys in new timetable

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is able to offer Chesterfield passengers quicker and more frequent journeys after it launched its new timetable this week.

The changes, which were made possible by the successful delivery of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line Upgrade by Network Rail, provide more seats, quicker journeys, and a simpler and more resilient timetable for communities across its network, with earlier and later services supporting leisure, business and tourism journeys.

Passengers travelling down the Midland Main Line are set to benefit from several specific enhancements to the current service, including quicker peak journey times to London St Pancras International and consistent departure times through the day.

Day trippers or passengers wanting more flexibility will also be able to take advantage of the new timetable which will see earlier trains into London and later returns.

Further details of the timetable improvements are available on EMR’s website here.

Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said he was excited that passengers can now take advantage of their new timetable.

He said: “We are delighted to be able to start this new and significantly improved timetable. The £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade has allowed us to offers more seats, quicker journeys and more frequent journeys to our passengers across both our Regional and Intercity network.

“The timetable includes earlier and later services supporting leisure, business and tourism journeys and will help to support the region’s recovery out of the pandemic.

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “Improved rail links between Sheffield and London is an important step on our journey to rebuild and renew South Yorkshire, and a great signal of intent for our future.

“To level up the North, we need to ensure there is no barrier to accessing opportunities, and investment in public transport is vital to this. Better connectivity benefits all of us, from students looking to study here to visitors enjoying the arts and culture of South Yorkshire, and businesses looking for a great place to work and invest.”

Superbly located in the heart of the UK, Chesterfield is readily accessible by all means of transport.

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms celebrates official opening

Chesterfield Escape Rooms has officially opened to the public, after the highly-anticipated visitor attraction was given the green light by the easing of covid-19 restrictions.

There are a number of games to choose from at the venue, with the aim of solving the puzzles and escaping the room before the time runs out.

An official ribbon cutting was carried out on Monday (17th May) by Chesterfield’s mayor, Cllr Glenys Falconer who enjoyed a game of ‘Rob The Bank’ during her visit.

Nick Hogan, owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms said: “It’s been a few months in the planning but it has finally happened, we’re open for business! Our original objective was to put a smile back on the face of Chesterfield and give the town centre a new focus and I think we have achieved it.

“We are only small cog in the amazing amount of positive activity taking place around the town, but nevertheless the feedback we are getting from the games is fantastic.”

The Escape Rooms now employs 15 staff on a mixture of permanent, Kickstart and casual contracts. They are all trained to ensure customers feel safe and enjoy their experience.

Nick continued: “What i have loved so far is watching teams from the Games Masters area, having fun. To see people together, smiling, laughing, joking and having fun has made the setting up of the business worthwhile. Our social reviews on trip advisor, Facebook and Google have been unbelievable and testament to the pride and hard work that all of the team put in to each game.”

“So many people i have spoken to have advised they have never played or even considered playing an escape room but have decided to support the business and give it a go. The very same people are the ones I love watching the most. One lady, who, in reception asked lots of questions due to her lack of understanding, was seen doing a full on fist pump when she solved her first clue!!”

“We really want our customers to embrace our different themes and experience all of the games and wow are some of them competitive! We have launched a set of monthly leader boards which are advertised in reception, starting the concept of being an ‘Escape Room Legend’ to get into our all-time Hall of Fame! A player must have successfully completed all three games to enter!”

To find out more about Chesterfield Escape Rooms and book your visit, head to http://www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk/ or email info@chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Love Chesterfield aims to boost the local economy

As lockdown eases, now’s the time to rediscover everything that’s great about Chesterfield – that’s the message behind a new campaign being launched to encourage people to love the town and borough and support local businesses.

The new ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign has been launched today (Monday 10 May) by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national restrictions continue to ease.

Centred around Chesterfield town centre, and the borough’s high streets and shopping areas, the campaign is encouraging people to seek out Chesterfield’s shops, cafes, bars and restaurants – whether that be revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “Our local businesses have had a year like no other and it’s never been more important that we each do our bit and help support them as best we can as national restrictions continue to ease.

“There’s a lot to love about our town and borough – things we have all missed during lockdown – and that’s exactly what our new Love Chesterfield campaign aims to shine a spotlight on.

“We’ve already seen a positive return of customers to the borough’s high streets and through the Love Chesterfield campaign we will be encouraging everyone to carry on shopping locally and safely.”

The marketing campaign will feature in local magazines and newspapers, and across social media. People will be able to sign up to receive Love Chesterfield news by email, which will include details of local events and ways to get involved. Market Traders will also be giving away special edition Love Chesterfield shopping bags.

Each month there will be the chance to win a gift from a local independent shop by taking part in a Love Chesterfield survey. The prize, worth up to £50, will showcase the great products that can only be bought in Chesterfield town centre.

Love Chesterfield Banner

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, added: “In the town centre alone there are around 200 independent retailers here you’ll find a range of unique, quirky and exciting gifts and products. Add to these retailers the variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that are available and of course the numerous Markets that the town centre supports and there really is something for everyone here.

“As restrictions ease, we are all getting back out, shopping and safely socialising with friends and family once again. There is no better place to do that than on Chesterfield’s high streets, which of course include Hasland, Staveley, Chatsworth Road and Sheffield Road.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “I am delighted that Destination Chesterfield is partnering with the council to develop and deliver the Love Chesterfield campaign.

“Supporting the high streets and the retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are part of it should be – and is – a team effort. We are all committed to Chesterfield’s high streets thriving long term and the Love Chesterfield campaign is an excellent vehicle for us all to get behind and raise awareness of everything that is great about the town and borough.”

Chesterfield Borough Council was awarded £96,000 from the Reopening the High Streets Safely Fund. Some of this has already funded marketing campaigns such as the successful Christmas campaign and the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House and is also funding the Love Chesterfield campaign.

Cllr Gilby added: “We’ve used the government funding wisely here in Chesterfield to support businesses and the local economy. We have employed a Covid-19 information officer who has been advising businesses on Covid-19 restrictions and how to operate safely and our dedicated town centre engagement officer has been a lifeline for many retailers and hospitality businesses. Using the funding to promote the town centre and the borough’s high streets has been essential. And it’s paying off – the town centre is busy and it’s great to see new businesses opening too.

“It is now time to talk up Chesterfield. Let’s show our fantastic high street businesses some love.”

Find out more about the Love Chesterfield campaign at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield

Love Chesterfield Banner

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Love Chesterfield Partner Logos

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New online directory launched to support Chesterfield’s local businesses

A new directory of Chesterfield’s independent businesses has been launched, featuring the best of the town’s shops, restaurants, food suppliers and more.

Un-hampered has been launched following a collaborative effort between S40 and S41 Local magazines and Chesterfield-based creative agency Defeye, after many of the town’s local businesses begin their recovery following the enormous challenges of the pandemic.

Paul Chapman, owner of S40 Local said: “Our local businesses have been hit hard over the last year, but have risen to the enormous challenge, created an online presence in record time and have changed their offering to provide delivery, takeaway or click and collect services.

“These independent businesses are the foundation of our town, when you shop with them they, in turn, feed money into the local economy. When you eat at a local independent restaurant, chances are they’ve purchased the veg from a local grocer, they may have bought it from a local farm, the farmer services his van at the local garage, the garage owner advertises with us, we eat in the same restaurant – the money stays local and helps build the local economy.

“The Un-hampered directory is the first phase, we have so much more to offer and we’ll be bringing you news as we launch each new development. We really do want to modernise access to the traditional high street and help businesses maintain a physical presence.

Matt Pritchard from Defeye explains, “when Paul first came to us to talk about what would go on to become Un-hampered, we were on board straight away. As luck would have it, we’d been discussing how we wanted to work on a self-generated project of our own that could really help push the independent businesses in town that we love. Then magically, the next week we got an email from Paul asking us if we wanted to meet up to discuss his idea. It felt like Kismet.

“Although the idea has evolved and changed through this incredibly challenging year, the ultimate goal has remained fixed. ‘Create a platform that showcases local independent businesses and gives customers an easy way of finding them’. We were lucky enough to create the Shop and Support local video campaign for the council last year and it gave us the opportunity to talk to so many incredible businesses, strengthening our resolve to get Un-hampered launched so that we could show our support to them.

“We’re excited to get phase one off the ground finally and we hope it will be a platform that helps local businesses at a really critical time.”

If you would like to view the directory or find out more about it, head to www.un-hampered.co.uk

S40 Local and Defeye Creative support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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